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The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL (reference IW357701) pairs a flying minute tourbillon with IWC’s SPRIN-g PROTECT system, designed to cushion the movement during an impact. IWC says the watch’s redesigned bulk metallic glass spring helped protected tourbillon movements survive shocks above 10,000 g in its own testing; that figure is a manufacturer-reported result, not an independently verified test.
What makes the Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL unusual?
Announced by IWC at Watches and Wonders Geneva on 1 April 2025, the watch is the first model in which IWC says it has used SPRIN-g PROTECT to protect a tourbillon. The engineering challenge is apparent: a tourbillon is a delicate, intricate mechanism, while the system is intended to protect the movement from impact forces.
IWC’s solution is to suspend the movement inside the case with a cantilever spring. A crown-coupling system allows the movement to move freely when disengaged. For calibre 82915, IWC redesigned the spring’s eight arms to accommodate the movement’s dimensions and mass. The spring is made from bulk metallic glass (BMG), which IWC describes as having an amorphous microstructure and greater elasticity than conventional metals. IWC’s launch announcement describes the design and its intended function.
What does IWC’s 10,000 g claim mean?
IWC says SPRIN-g PROTECT protects the movement from acceleration forces in excess of 10,000 g. Its launch announcement says protected tourbillon movements survived shocks above that level during IWC testing. This is a company-reported test result: the published material cited here does not provide an independent test report, a detailed protocol, or independent replication. It should not be read as a guarantee that a watch will remain undamaged after any real-world impact.
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How is the movement built?
The skeletonised plates, bridges and rotor reduce the mass the shock system must protect while leaving the mechanism and BMG spring visible. At 6 o’clock, the flying minute tourbillon comprises 56 parts and weighs 0.663 grams, according to IWC. Calibre 82915 also uses a Pellaton winding system with ceramic components and has an 80-hour power reserve. The product page lists a hacking tourbillon mechanism and a power-reserve display. IWC’s product page provides the model’s listed features.
Case, strap and key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Full model name | Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL |
| Reference | IW357701 |
| Case size | 44 mm, according to IWC’s product page |
| Case and crown | Ceratanium |
| Dial | Black |
| Strap | Black patterned rubber with calfskin inlay; IWC’s launch release specifies a Ceratanium pin buckle |
| Movement | Calibre 82915, skeletonised, with flying minute tourbillon |
| Power reserve | 80 hours |
| Additional listed feature | Glass secured against displacement by a drop in air pressure |
What the design says about the watch
This is an engineering-led Big Pilot’s Watch: the openworked movement makes the protection system part of the visual presentation, rather than hiding it inside the case. The central idea is not that a tourbillon is inherently impact-proof, but that IWC has adapted its movement-suspension system for a more complicated calibre. Dr. Lorenz Brunner, IWC’s Department Manager Research and Innovation, described the adaptation as a major advance in protecting a high complication from impact-generated g-forces.
Rank #2
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
The available official descriptions establish the watch’s mechanism and specifications, but do not establish a price, production limit, or regional availability beyond the US product page. They also do not provide a basis for ranking it against competing shock-resistant watches.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Exclusive Limited Edition Only 100 Pieces Worldwide: Each LONGIO Volcan Tourbillon is part of a strictly limited run of just 100 pieces worldwide, ensuring true rarity and exceptional collector's value
- A Tribute to Earth's Sublime Power: Inspired by the majestic force of volcanic eruptions, the Volcan blends elemental power with refined elegance for a distinctive luxury statement
- Central Tourbillon Engineering: Features a rare mechanical hand-wound central tourbillon rotating once every 60 seconds, with 16 precision screws on the cage to achieve balance
- High-Performance Hand-Wound Movement: Driven by a hand-wound mechanical movement beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), with 19 jewels and an impressive 48-hour power reserve, visible through a sapphire crystal case back
- Robust 42mm DLC Titanium Case: Engineered from lightweight titanium and finished with Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating for exceptional scratch resistance and a sophisticated black aesthetic, ensuring durability and elegance
Rank #3
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel and Black Nylon Stra
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
